Vandalism Charge That I Did Not Commit

**Bearman** · 02-20-2012, 06:10 PM

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: New Jersey
Hi there!
I was caught entering a house that was very clearly abandoned .
I participate in the sport of urban exploration, the sport of exploring storm drains, abandoned buildings, boats,bridges, ETC. I don't think there is anything wrong with urban exploration, at least not the type described here and on 95 percent of the other sites on the Internet, and I can't pretend I do. Genuine urban explorers never vandalize, steal or damage anything — we don't even litter. We're in it for the thrill of discovery and a few nice pictures, and probably have more respect for and appreciation of our cities' hidden spaces than most of the people who think we're naughty. We don't harm the places we explore. We love the places we explore. I did not break anything, however a cop came and talked to me. He asked what I was doing, I told him I climbed through the window to check the place out and left. He accused me of Breaking windows and doors that I did not do. He then tried to lie to me and said that if I admitted guilt now I would be given a Petty vandalism charge. I said I had not caused any harm and he took my name and said he would call the owner tomorrow to see if he knew about the broken windows
My only concern is that I will be accused of breaking already broken windows. Is this a possibility? Or was the cop trying to scare me to get me to come clean?
Help!
Thanks everyone.

**Dogmatique** · 02-20-2012, 06:20 PM

Yes, it's a possibility.

I realize you don't think there's anything wrong with breaking and entering - but the State generally doesn't take the same stance as you.

**Bearman** · 02-20-2012, 06:44 PM

The police Told me that If i did not break anything I wouldnt be in any legal trouble
So is it possible that I will be accused to vandalism?

**cbg** · 02-20-2012, 06:52 PM

Yes, it is possible that you will be accused of vandalism. It's also possible that the cop was lying to you. And, it's possible that it will snow tomorrow night.

We'll know whether or not you are accused of vandalism, whether or not the cop was lying, and whether or not it will snow tomorrow night, in due course. The crystal ball is out being repaired.

And yes, whether you like it or not, you were breaking and entering, which is a crime. What the state chooses to do about it is their business.

**Bearman** · 02-20-2012, 07:04 PM

Can I really get Breaking and entering for climbing through an Open window of an extremely Abandoned house, not taking/touching anything, and climbing out.
I never broke anything, I climbed ontop of a truck and slipped though the window

**Dogmatique** · 02-20-2012, 07:05 PM

yes, you can.

The property is not a free for all. It remains, private property.

**Bearman** · 02-20-2012, 07:20 PM

But doesnt breaking and entering imply... Like, actually breaking something and entering.... or stealing something?
wouldnt this just be tresspassing since it was open anyways..

But As I was asking, If the owner says the window was broken by me (Or wasnt broken before today) can this Vandalism charge stick...Because thats the only charge they mentioned .. And i didnt break anything.

**cbg** · 02-21-2012, 10:56 AM

No, breaking and entering does not imply that you caused physical damage. You can still be charged with breaking (into a place you're not supposed to be) and entering (the same place) whether you actually broke anything or not. There is more than one definition of the word.

Yes, it is possible that a vandalism charge will stick. The owner, who has a right to be there, says you broke it. You, who have no legal right to be there and a vested interest in lying, says you didn't. Who do you think is more creditable?